The Role of Big Data on Smart Grid Transition

Abstract: Despite being popularly referred to as the ultimate solution for all problems of our current electric power system, smart grid is still a growing and unstable concept. It is usually considered as a set of advanced features powered by promising technological solutions. In this paper, we describe smart grid as a socio-technical transition and illustrate the evolutionary path on which a smart grid can be realized. Through this conceptual lens, we reveal the role of big data, and how it can fuel the organic growth of smart grid. We also provide a rough estimate of how much data will be potentially generated from different data sources, which helps clarify the big data challenges during the evolutionary process.